Prior to joining the Marine Corps, Jane Shepard was, for all intents and purposes, fairly healthy. However, after becoming stationed at Camp Lejeune in 1984, Jane’s health spiraled. She often vomited, developed rashes, and had extreme stomach pain. Years later, in the early 2000s, large tumors started growing all over her body. The tumors ached. A biopsy showed that Jane had Dercum disease (also referred to as Dercum’s disease), a rare and chronic condition with a largely unknown cause.

But according to ABC 13 News, Jane believes that her condition could result from drinking contaminated water. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) explains:

past exposures from the 1950s through February 1985 to trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride, and other contaminants in the drinking water…likely increased the risk of cancers, adverse birth outcomes, and other adverse health effects of residents, civilian workers, Marines and Naval personnel at Camp Lejeune.

After learning about the contamination, Jane brought the idea to her doctors, who agreed that this could be a potential cause. Unfortunately, over the years, Jane’s condition has worsened. She has pursued medical care but faces a huge hurdle with insurance. Because her condition could be caused by her time in the military, it cannot be covered by regular health insurance. However, since the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (“VA”) does not cover Dercum disease on its list of presumptive conditions, the VA has declined coverage.

Jane is ultimately searching for some help in caring for and managing her condition. She doesn’t want to take part in a class action lawsuit unless necessary, and hopes the VA will reconsider her claim and provide coverage.

What is Dercum Disease?

Known also as Anders’ syndrome, Dercum-Vitaut syndrome, and Adiposis Dolorosa, Dercum disease is a rare, chronic, and progressive condition characterized by the subcutaneous development of lipomas (fatty tumors) on the body. These lipomas are often painful. They most often occur on the trunk, upper arms, and upper legs. While Dercum disease can affect both males and females, it is more common in females who are menopausal and/or obese. As described above, the cause of Dercum disease is unknown. Symptoms and characteristics can (but do not always) include:

• Multiple fatty, painful masses
• Generalized obesity
• Debilitating pain that may worsen with movement
• High blood pressure
• Headache
• Nosebleeds
• Epilepsy
• Depression, confusion, emotional instability, or other mental issues
• Fatigue and general malaise/weakness
• Congestive heart failure
• Severe hypothyroidism
• Joint pain
• Tremors
• Cyanosis (bluish skin discoloration)